Trends In Hiv Prevalence In Health Facilities In A Mining District Of Brong Ahafo Region From 2011-2015

Abstract

Background: Migration plays a major role in the transmission of diseases. Mining is associated with high labor migrations, which pose a risk for the transmission of communicable and infectious diseases. HIV like other sexually transmitted infections significantly increases in incidence and prevalence with the commencement of large scale mining activities in most communities among several other biological, social and economic determinants. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine trends in HIV prevalence in health facilities of a mining district of Brong Ahafo region from 2011 to 2015. Method: Records on HIV screening from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed from hospital registry and information collected on age, sex, date of HIV screening, HIV screening results and location to determine the trends. Results: HIV prevalence among HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) cases remained nearly steady with 42.7% (133) for 2011 and 42.9% (107) for 2012 followed by a rise to 47.5% (114) in 2013 and then a consistent decrease of 39.5% (94) and 26.4% (47) in 2014 and 2015. Females had 64.2% (318) of the total positive cases against 35.8% (177) for males. Age groups 25-29 and 50+ recorded the highest HIV prevalence of 6.2% (76) with age group 15-19 recording the least prevalence 0.98% (12). The highest HIV cases (58/1000) were recorded in July (rainy/hunger season). The HIV prevalence by location for the period showed 54.69% (268) for rural location and 45.31% (222) for urban location. Conclusion: HIV testing coverage is declining in the district however, prevalence remains high especially among women and younger generations, suggesting transactional sex activities due to mining which indicates that active HIV campaigns are needed. Mobile voluntary counseling and testing for HIV could be explored.